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The countdown to the launch of the 'World's Most Luxurious Ship'
had been going on for so long that we began to wonder if the
Seven Seas Explorer would ever arrive, but at
last we stepped on board in Civitavecchia at the beginning of
October, and it was a trip well worth waiting for.

First impressions were excellent. Great décor, amazing attention
to detail, breath taking lighting. As on other Regent Seven Seas
ships, the design is such that there is very little natural light
on the lower decks. This is not really a problem - there is very
little natural light in the reception area of The Dorchester, but
you wouldn't think of making something of it. And in fact the hotel
comparison is quite an appropriate one - the Explorer does feel
like a luxury city hotel on a grand scale.

Accommodation is very comfortable indeed, well equipped and with
loads of space in our F2 suite, with a huge and welcoming bed,
bathroom with tub, separate shower cubicle, double sink and plenty
of storage space (a Frank del Rio bugbear apparently).

The bed faced out to sea, with a window and French doors opening
onto a very deep balcony. The plus is lots of space; the minus that
it is overhung by the deck above, and as a result the suite is
rather dark.

We loved the deck area with lots of different types of loungers
and sun beds, wide teak walkways, gauzy curtains and lovely low
level lighting in the evenings. Seven Seas Explorer really comes
into her own with the amazing dining options - we were on for five
nights and ate in a different restaurant every evening. What a
treat.

The restaurants include the Asian speciality Pacific Rim, a
beauty to behold and with an amazing and varied menu. At the
entrance, a huge prayer wheel sets the scene before you encounter
the charming hostesses at reception and enjoy a very sophisticated
dining room, with plenty of options to dine as a couple, or indeed
as part of a larger group.

The very special Chartreuse, featuring a classic French menu, is
an authentic fine dining experience, with beautiful presentation,
charming service and the best celebration of French gastronomy,
whilst Regent fans will be delighted to encounter an old favourite,
Prime 7, with its unique members-only style, where a mouth watering
menu of steaks and other prime cuts merits a high level of forward
planning (by which I mean, starve yourself all day!).

For a more informal option, the daytime buffet style La Veranda
converts in the evening to a lively candlelit Italian restaurant,
Sette Mari, with a menu of alluring antipasti, perfect homemade
pastas, enticing main courses and divine desserts.

Probably the most impressive dining space for us was the main
restaurant, Compass Rose. Dining in this beautiful room will never
be a compromise, and the interesting menu is varied and well
presented. So this is not a question of 'when all else fails' -
this restaurant is going to be high on your list.

Unusually for speciality restaurants, on some days they open at
lunchtime, for a lighter meal and quite a different ambience as you
enjoy the sunlight flooding in.

And finally, the onboard programme has been upgraded, so there
is lots going on even if you decide not to take one of the numerous
included shore excursions.